Last week in Utica

The Mancuso brothers asbestos fraud saga finally comes to a conclusion in federal court when a judge handed out sentences like party favors. Party's over! Everyone out of the pool! There's asbestos in there!
From the local paper, emphasis mine.
"Paul Mancuso, 45, was sentenced to 6 ½ years in federal prison as the mastermind behind an asbestos removal operation that he was prohibited from being involved in.

His father, Lester Mancuso, 71, was given 3 years in prison.

Paul Mancuso's brother, Steven Mancuso, was sentenced to 3-2/3 years in prison, or 44 months, for using his legal expertise as an attorney to conceal his brother's involvement in the operations.

Additionally, Paul Mancuso was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine for violating federal regulations by allowing asbestos to be dumped in a field and washed down a drain at a Utica school, and once again he is prohibited from engaging in any asbestos abatement business.

This is the fourth time Paul Mancuso has faced serious federal charges related to asbestos abatement"
Apparently, the sentencing was colorful with crying Italian nanas, attempted running away by defendants, and metaphorical backstabbing. I have to say metaphorical because actual backstabbing is a possibility. Both Paul and Steven tried to roll over on the third brother, Ronald, who masterminded stealing nearly $1 million in quarters from parking meters in downtown Syracuse from 2000 to 2005. Which he laundered in local businesses all over town. Including a local laundromat owned by the previous Mayor's father. “Their brother Ronnie was the rat, and he’s out,” says Joette Mancuso, wife of Paul and owner of Joettes Gifts in New Hartford, which was busted by the state police for selling counterfit designer womens accessories in 2007. Thanksgiving is gonna be kind of awkward at Casa Mancuso this year.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, the Utica police make an arrest for last year's Thanksgiving murder. Turns out the murderers were right here in the city the whole time!

The recently renovated local showcase Stanley Performing Arts Center which had over $20 million dollars of federal funds poured into it is failing to support itself by presenting programs that people want to see. Executive director exit stage left and the search is on for a new one who can convince people to spend money to come downtown after dark. Give out free cans of mace, and a police escort. Problem solved.

The Utica police bought an old armored Brinks truck for $10 and have been working with the welding department of the local community college to vandal proof it and fit it out with surveillance cameras. Then it will be parked in high crime areas. "The goal is not necessarily to make an arrest, but to alert the suspects that police are onto them." Police Chief Williams says. You hear that crims? The popo are on to your shenanigans.

ok, I'm done. For now.